2018 Faith Lutheran Football Capsule

FAITH LUTHERAN

League: Class 4A Northwest

Head coach: Vernon Fox, sixth season (40-17)

2017 record: 6-4 (5-1 Northwest, second)

Returning lettermen: 27

Returning starters: Five offense, six defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 3-5

Top offensive players: QB Sagan Gronauer (Sr.); WR Peyton Thornton (Jr.); WR Keegan Touchstone (Sr.); RB Julian Rohan (So.)

Top defensive players: LB Ma’a Gaoteote (So.); LB Hunter Kaupiko (So.); DL David Heckard (Sr.); LB Taimani McKenzie (Sr.); LB Nate Meredith (Sr.); DL Zeke Noma’aea (Jr.)

Top Newcomers: DB Sebastian Burke (Sr.); DB Greg Oliver (Sr.)

Key losses: WR Elijah Kothe; OL John Schulte; DB Josh Hong; WR Dalton Kincaid

Outlook: Arbor View has owned the Northwest League in recent years, but the Crusaders could have something to say about that this season.

Gronauer, who has committed to Idaho State, is back to lead the team from the quarterback spot. He was the Northwest League’s Offensive MVP last season after passing for 2,307 yards and 22 TDs.

He’ll have a top target back in Thornton, who caught 47 passes for 607 yards and seven TDs. Touchstone has made his name as a defensive back, but will shift to offense this season to provide another receiving weapon.

Rohan has yet to play a varsity game for the Crusaders but he already holds a scholarship offer from Utah.

As good as the offensive returnees are, defense is where the Crusaders truly stand out.

Faith Lutheran returns a trio of outstanding linebackers. Gaoteote had 54 tackles as a freshman and already has committed to play at Southern California. Kaupiko led the team with 96 tackles and was a second-team All-Northwest League pick, and Meredith had 49 tackles last season.

The arrival of transfer defensive backs Oliver and Burke will allow Touchstone to shift to receiver and McKenzie to move to linebacker. McKenzie was a second-team All-Northwest League pick at safety last fall when he had 59 tackles and two interceptions.

The 330-pound Noma’aea was second on the team with three sacks last fall and earned second-team All-Northwest League honors at defensive tackle. Heckard (6-5, 235) looks like a prototypical defensive end and has garnered plenty of recruiting interest. Noma’aea and Heckard each had 33 tackles last season.

“(This is) the most talented team in school history,” Fox said. “We expect to compete on a national level and for a division, regional and state championship.”